I initially contacted Heather Brook, a certified Canine Massage Therapist, on the evening of Wednesday the 18th July 2012. She was fully booked up, but, was concerned about Tasha’s wellbeing and she said that she would get back to me later in the evening to see if she could rearrange her appointments, and she did. Heather rearranged her appointments so that she was able to come over the next day, Thursday 19th July 2012. I was very impressed and relieved at the same time, that Heather rang me back promptly and that she was able to rearrange her busy schedule and managed to create a time to visit Tasha and I the next day. I remember thinking at the time that this lady seems to really care about what my dog Tasha was going through and my initial impression proved to be correct.
My Rottweiler, Tasha was diagnosed with bone cancer in her left forelimb in May 2012. A CT scan was carried out and it indicated that the cancer had not spread to any other parts of her body yet. Following that result the only real course of action, other than putting Tasha to sleep, was to have Tasha’s left forelimb and shoulder amputated. This was one of the hardest decisions we ever had to make in our life. If the amputation did not go ahead, the cancer would have spread throughout Tasha’s body and only given her 4 – 6 weeks of life.
Tasha also has other issues such as arthritis in her lower back and in both of her hind legs, which made her gait very stiff and she has been compromised since the amputation. In July 2007, Tasha had surgery on her right hind leg as a result of a torn cruciate ligament. The treatment was TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) surgery. Then in 2008, unfortunately for Tasha, she had to have the same surgery on her left hind leg. Both surgeries were successful, but, over time her gait became stiff and arthritis was affecting her lower back, so Heather really had a difficult task ahead of her.
Tasha was unsteady on her three legs and her back legs were becoming stiffer. Tasha often lost her balance and would fall flat onto her chin while trying to move forward or when trying to go to the toilet. Tasha also had a fall while walking around a corner, which lead to her not being able to stand up or walk for several days, even though she was on pain relief. I found out later on, that Tasha has a bulging disc on L7 and her left hip partially slips in and out at times.
Heather was just what Tasha needed. She was like an angel that came from heaven that had come down to help us!
With the weekly massage, homework and guidance that Heather provided each week, we started on the road to rehabilitating Tasha. This would assist Tasha in regaining her independence, confidence, balance and proprioception. It would prove to help ease the tightness in her neck, back and both back legs and help to regain the strength in her muscles.
Tasha is living proof that Heather’s skill, massage techniques and expert guidance has made an enormous difference to Tasha’s quality of life. When Tasha was physically strong enough, Heather introduced new challenges for her to help her continue improving her core strength and flexibility.
Tasha has now gained her confidence back and is now able to balance well on her three legs. Now, when Tasha spots Heather’s car, she gets so very excited and at times, it’s hard for me to control her and keep her calm. Tasha runs down so freely and is very happy as she greets Heather at her car. Some of Tasha’s mischievous behaviour is starting to come through as she now has the confidence to jump up on her hind legs to give Heather a lick/kiss.
From my experience in dealing with Heather Brook, it is obvious that she genuinely loves dogs and cares for their wellbeing and their quality of life. Heather Brook is a lovely lady and has been a great support to my precious Rottweiler Tasha and me. I don't know what we would have done without her. As you can see from the photo below of Heather and Tasha, Tasha always looks forward to her weekly massage session with Heather and rewards Heather each week with a sloppy kiss.
I will definitely continue to have Heather Brook’s home visits for Tasha’s therapy on a weekly basis. I can truly see the huge difference that Heather Brook has made to Tasha’s life.
I highly recommend Heather Brook to anyone who may have a dog that would benefit from Heather’s services, experience, and expertise.
Thank you Heather for all you have done for my Tasha. I feel very fortunate indeed, to have you in our life.
Kind regards,
Carmelina
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It gives me great pleasure to be able to write this recommendation for Heather.
Heather kindly offered her massage services to one of my
Australian Kelpie bitches Hope, who is a very nervous and highly strung dog.
From the first treatment Heather explained what she was doing and the outcome
that we might achieve – her expectations were always realistic and she never
gave false expectations. As I explained Hope is very nervous and does not
readily take to strangers but with Heather’s kind and quiet demeanour Hope was
immediately at ease and always was willing to stand for her treatment. Hope had
a total of five massage treatments with Heather and responded well to the
massages becoming more relaxed and moving more free in her gaiting.
Whilst Heather was visiting one day Lilly - my 3 month old
puppy got tangled under a pony’s feet and Heather kindly offered to massage
her. Lilly like Hope responded well to Heather and was soon relaxed and I am
sure Heather saved her from being muscle sore after her accident.
Heather is very professional, always on time and
knowledgeable about dogs and I would only be too pleased to have her massage
any of my dogs again.
Megan.
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Dear Heather,
Thank you for massaging our 2 year old Labrador Retriever, Joey. His hind legs had been quite stiff, but after
his massages, he moved much more freely.
He really did seem to enjoy the massage and the special attention
you paid him. He had long naps after
each massage, and was very relaxed.
While watching you at work, it
was very evident how much care and love
you have for the dogs you massage.
You have a certain way with them that puts them at ease. I would highly recommend you to anyone
wanting massage therapy for their canine friend.
Many thanks,
Sue.
And a special message from Joey
Thank you for my wonderful massages I felt so relaxed and slept very well after
them. I especially liked that head massage you do; it makes me all sleepy.
Love,
Joey
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Sammy, my 11 year-old Golden
Retriever, had never experienced a proper remedial massage until he met
Heather. He responded very well to her professional touch, relaxing and
absorbing the sensation of her hands working on his body. When she would
pause, perhaps while making a comment to me, he would raise his paw and touch
her to remind her that he was waiting for the massage to continue.
Heather has a lovely way with
dogs - and Sammy responded beautifully to seeing her. His legs had been
comparatively stiff, so the loosening of his muscles were particularly
noticeable after the first massage session. The remaining massage
sessions added to his more relaxed physical being. It was great that
Heather taught me a few warm-up techniques to use on Sammy before he goes for
his walkies. I would not hesitate to call Heather if I felt Sammy would
benefit from her massage at any stage in the future.
Virginia.
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My golden retriever Max had a serious
accident when he was only 16 weeks old and broke both front elbows. This has
resulted in permanent stiffness and restricted movement in his front legs. He
is susceptible to arthritis particular when over exercised and in the cold
weather
Heather first massaged Max when he
sustained a groin strain from slipping on wet tiles.
Heather built up an instant rapport with
Max - he trusted her immediately and was quite happy to be massaged. After an
hour with Heather I could feel the muscles were less tight and a lot of the
heat had dissipated. The following day his gait was improved with a less
pronounced limp.
For the owner Heather gives a thorough
explanation of the massage and her advice on how to prepare Max for exercise
and tips on relaxation techniques during thunderstorms have been invaluable. I
would thoroughly recommend her services.
Wendy.
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